THE BENEFITS OF READING: IMPROVING COMMUNICATION SKILLS FOR ENGINEERS

Abstract

Strong communication abilities are essential for engineers in the modern workforce. Engineers must be adept at explaining complex technical concepts and ideas to diverse audiences, whether writing detailed reports targeted at management and colleagues or giving presentations for public groups. To gain and excel in the engineering field requires having exceptional written, verbal, interpersonal and visual communication skills. However, communication proficiency must be developed; it is not an inherent trait. Just like any talent, competence in communication necessitates cultivation over time. Reading on a consistent basis provides the perfect avenue for engineers to dramatically enhance their communication capacities. Exposure to well-crafted writing affords examples for engineers to follow in their own work, while reading academically rigorous materials intrinsically builds stronger verbal skills over time.